The Office of Disability Concerns (ODC) is an independent State agency whose purpose is to help State government develop policies and services that meet the needs of Oklahomans with disabilities.

ODC serves as a resource to disabled people who want to present their views and recommendations to the Governor, the State Legislature and State agencies.

CONSUMER INVOLVEMENT

Disabled Oklahomans themselves advice ODC in setting goals and developing programs. By law, one half of the members of ODC's Advisory Committee are disabled persons or the parents of disabled individuals.

* Develop policies, procedures and programs to better serve employees and the public.

* Schedule mediation through the ODC Alternative Dispute Resolution Program

EMPLOYMENT PROMOTION

* Staff support to the Governor's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities.Assistance in connecting job ready employees with potential employers.Guidance and referrals for identifying employment adaptive aids and devices.Sponsors and award program that recognizes outstanding employers, employees and media.Offers advocacy and counseling for job seekers.Provides information on employment programs with the State and federal Government.Addresses the need to improve services to Oklahomans with disabilities in the areas of education, employment, housing, and health care.Development of educational materials for public distribution on disability awareness/disability etiquette.

CLIENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

CAP assists people who are seeking or receiving services from programs funded by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.

CAP can help you:

* Obtain services for which you are eligible.

* Understand your rights and responsibilities as an applicant or client of programs under the Rehab Act of 1973.

* Understand and use the appeals and fair hearing process.

NEWSLETTER

The Agency newsletter (Will's Corner; Oklahoma) is produced quarterly and provides information on all disability issues including legislative updates. To be placed on the mailing list to receive this newsletter, contact the Office of Disability Concerns at the address/telephone below. For those of you with electronic access, you may choose to receive your materials including the newsletter via our website at

http://www.odc.ok.gov

OFFICE OF DISABILITY CONCERNS

2401 N.W. 23rd, Ste. 90

Oklahoma City, OK 73107-2423

Telephone:

405.521.3756 Voice

405.522.6706 TDD

800.522.8224 Voice/TDD

405.522.6695 Fax

Web Site: http://www.odc.ok.gov

Publication of this brochure is authorized by the Oklahoma Office of Disability Concerns (74 O.S. 1981 Section 9.21). #### copies of this publication have been prepared at a cost of $$$.$$. Copies of this publication have been deposited with the Oklahoma Publications Clearinghouse.

ODC does not discriminate in services or employment with regard to race, color, creed, Religion, national origin, age, sex or handicap.